Psalm 16:5-6

"The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup;
you hold
my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed I
have a
beautiful inheritance."


Wednesday, October 10, 2007

A fun-filled weekend


Having a wonderful time bowling and enjoying the fellowship of our good friends and family!
















Some of my dear friends and I went to Williamsburg to spend the day together. We had a wonderful time enjoying each others company, looking at the little shops, and having lunch at The Lodge in Willaimsburg.















We had good Biblical fellowship talking about areas where God has been doing a work in our hearts. I took a picture of our "leader" Jenny who is always so good at leading discussion, however it ended up looking pretty silly so I opted not to post that picture...Jenny you'll thank me later! HAHA




































Debra was a trooper as she felt a migrain coming on while driving the scenic view Annie took us down. She was a bit dizzy and held Jennys arm as she did her best to enjoy her time. Debra I'm glad you started feeling better as the day went on.






















I put these pictures in the wrong order...but here is the beautiful scenery we were able to enjoy...with the exception of Debra who was getting dizzier each passing mile...Was it all the curves, or Annies driving?!?! heehee Seriously Annie, thanks for drving it was an enjoyable day spent together!






















After getting home Lyle and I planned on going bowling with some friends. However because of some pride, misunderstanding, and lack of communication we had a major family conflict. You know the kind that feels like you can cut the air with a knife? After some one suggested we talk the issue through - we started to communicate with a lot of awkwardness....and many ringing phones from home phone, to cell phone, to another cell phone, to home phone, etc (of course no one answering because we were in the midst of resolving the conflict)....we finally came to a place of repentance and forgiveness, between all those involved. Eventhough walking through the conflict was difficult, and at some points painful, I was reminded of Gods faithfulness in restoring relationships through forgiveness.
Interestingly we ladies had just been discussing the book "Relationships, A Mess Worth Making",earlier in the day. I was sharing how I was seeing evidence of Gods Grace in my life by communicating in ways that please Him... However when I got home there was more evidence of sin on my part then on the Grace I had been experiencing as of late.
In God's kindness He helped each one of us walk through the conflict and see that much Grace was available and evident after the conflict was all settled. One of my children said and the end of the day, "Isn't God's Grace amazing?" Referring to the fact that there was so much tention and pain during the conflict, but how there was so much love and appreciation for each other after it. We were able to enjoyspending an evening together bowling with each other and our friends.
I am so thankful that God used that conflict to remind me that I am in need of a Savior every day, every moment of the day!

















Having fun together!












Enjoying our time bowling and fellowshiping!







































































































































































Right after we got into the bowling alley Lyle noticed David Wright, a pro baseball player. He plays third base for the New York Mets I think. Anyway Lyle asked if they could get their picture taken with him.







Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Someone told us we look alike - what were they thinking?!?

Katie and I were laughing the other day about how often we get told we look alike. We were joking and saying wouldn't it be funny if we responded with, "You're kidding me, we've never heard that before. You mean you really think we look alike?"




Bringing back the 50's?












































Woah what on earth happened?!

















Wednesday, September 19, 2007

My Dear Friend Debra

My dear Debra, I was praying for you this morning thanking Our Lord for you and Beau. You have both become such dear friends to our family, especially over these past two years. My boys consider Beau one of their closest friends; Of course Katie loves to tease Beau as much as he loves to tease her! heehee
Debra you have been such an encouragement to me over the past 2 1/2 years. You have inspired me not only in your words, but in how you live your life! Although God has called you to be a single parent at this time, I've seen you embrace that call with all your heart. I am continually amazed at how you work so hard, not only at your job, but in bringing everything back to the cross when life seems to be getting difficult! You have been an inspiration to me on more occasions than you'll ever know. Today I wanted you to know how much you mean to me as a special friend, and how I have grown to love you as my dear sister! Have a wonderful week serving Our Savior Jesus Christ!
With much love and repect!
Linda



Sunday, September 16, 2007

Happy Anniversary to the love of my life

I wrote this note to Lyle right after we were engaged. For our anniversary this year Lyle put it in a card he gave me. He has kept it in his wallet for all these years. Isn't this so SWEET!?!
Celebrating twenty three years of marriage! This picture was taken on our trip to Cancun this past Spring. I guess we got to celebrate early because Lyle worked so hard to earn the trip!

Its hard to believe 23 years have gone by already! God has truly blessed me with the perfect helpmate in you Lyle! What I love most about you is your love and commitment to God, and your desire to know Him deeper every day. You have been the most influential person in my life, as to what it looks like to spend time alone with God, by your daily example. Your actions have spoken volumes to me and the kids over the years. Thank you for loving our Savior with all your heart! I met the man of my dreams finding not only a godly man, but one who loved to sing as much as I did. Remember one of our first dates singing "Tom the Toad"? What about the songs we sang to each other at our wedding? I still enjoy hearing you sing in the morning after your quiet time, as much or more as I did when we were first married.

Two young hearts grow up and become one flesh!
Happy anniversary Lyle! Thank you for 23 wonderful years together! I love you so very much! Linda







Monday, September 10, 2007

Monday


This is a pretty typical monday night for us. Dad is off work mondays so usually the boys will get some tennis going at night - sometimes we have to beg them to let the girls play...so tonight they did! Wes and I played mom and dad.






Typically we have some sort of company over...well usually Wes and Preston, but they aren't really considered company anymore! I was just telling someone the other day that I'm sad that summer is over, because the boys always have friends over, and I love having all the comotion (sp?) and noise ... I guess thats what comes from growing up in a LOUD family w/ 3 brothers! I love it!

Dad and Josh playing with the air soft gun....

Relaxed on the porch swing. Lish and Jay gave us this swing and we definately put it to use! I love it, especially in the spring and the fall when it is not so hot - its really nice for napping ;)



WORKING HARD AT FASTSIGNS!